What is Culture?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) defines culture as “the spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society…not only the arts and letters, but also the modes of life…value systems, traditions…”

Culture can be described in terms of how it is expressed in activities and places associated with the following disciplines:

Performing Arts

Communications Media

Literary Arts

Heritage

Electronic Arts

Visual Arts

Crafts

Civic Arts

Festivals & Events

Design Arts

Culture is an important part of the community and Georgina is home to many exciting cultural places and activities.

Cultural Planning

“Culture in Georgina arises from a unique landscape and a balance of urban and rural life. Cultural expression and celebration in Georgina contributes to the local economy, to personal growth and community well-being; it transforms our communities by fostering creativity, the imagination and a shared vision of a better future.”

Georgina adopted its first-ever Culture Plan in 2013. The Plan provides goals and strategies for growing culture in Georgina in order to strengthen community identity and civic engagement.

The Plan specifies eight goals:

Defining the role of the Town as it relates to culture through policy development, community outreach, and the maintenance of a cultural asset data base

Increasing the awareness of culture in Georgina

Putting culture in the heart of every community by identifying centres for cultural development

Exploring the partnerships between the cultural sector, the community and the Town and developing an integrated framework for local cultural planning

Developing the capacity in the cultural sector to act independently of the Town

For more information about the Cultural Plan and current Cultural Services Division initiatives, contact the Manager of Cultural Services by email or call 905-476-4305 Ext. 2224.

Public Art

Public Art is the process of placing art in the public realm. The art can take on a variety of forms (e.g. mural, sculpture, performance, audio, video, etc.) or genres (ie. abstract, classical, pop, etc.) and can be permanent, temporary or ephemeral. Public art works can also be functional or non-functional.

Public art is a key component in tourism development, neighborhood design, the development of social cohesion, and as a tool for cultural expression.

In May, 2013, the Town contracted Cobalt Connects to develop its first Public Art Plan. After consultation with the community, staff and potential partners, the Public Art Plan is near completion.